Receive chain configuration for concurrent multi-mode radar operation

ABSTRACT

A frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar sensor may include a receive chain, where the receive chain includes a plurality of elements associated with processing a radar signal, where at least one element, of the plurality of elements, is configurable independent of at least one other element of the plurality of elements.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/248,662, filed Aug. 26, 2016, which is incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

A radar-based sensor may use frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW)radar to determine a distance, a velocity, and/or an angular position ofa target. Such radar-based sensors may be configured to operate in ashort range radar (SRR) mode (e.g., with a detection range fromapproximately 0.05 meters (m) to approximately 20 m), a medium rangeradar (MRR) mode (e.g., with a detection range from approximately 1 m to60 m), a long range radar (LRR) mode (e.g., with a detection range fromapproximately 10 m to 200 m), or the like.

SUMMARY

According to some possible implementations, a frequency-modulatedcontinuous-wave (FMCW) radar sensor may include: a receive chain, wherethe receive chain includes a plurality of elements associated withprocessing a radar signal, and where at least one element, of theplurality of elements, is configurable independent of at least one otherelement of the plurality of elements.

According to some possible implementations, a radar sensor, may include:a first receive chain including a first plurality of elements associatedwith processing a radar signal, where at least one element, of the firstplurality of elements, is configurable independent of at least one otherelement of the first plurality of elements and a second plurality ofelements associated with a second receive chain; and the second receivechain including the second plurality of elements associated withprocessing the radar signal, where at least one element, of the secondplurality of elements, is configurable independent of at least one otherelement of the second plurality of elements and the first plurality ofelements associated with the first receive chain.

According to some possible implementations, a frequency-modulatedcontinuous-wave (FMCW) radar sensor may include a plurality of elementsto process a signal and provide an output, where the plurality ofelements is associated with a receive chain of the FMCW radar sensor,and where an element, of the plurality of elements, is configurableindependent of other elements of the plurality of elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an overview of an example implementationdescribed herein;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an example FMCW radar sensor in which techniques,described herein, may be implemented;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example implementation of an FMCW radar sensorwith receive chains that are independently configurable to permit theFMCW radar sensor to operate in different modes concurrently;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of an additional example implementation an FMCWradar sensor with receive chains that are independently configurable topermit the FMCW radar sensor to operate in different modes concurrently;and

FIG. 5 is a diagram of an example implementation of an FMCW radar sensorthat includes a single bireciprocal wave digital filter for use bymultiple receive chains.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description of example implementations refers tothe accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in differentdrawings may identify the same or similar elements.

An application for an FMCW radar sensor may demand sensing capabilitiesacross different distance ranges, and each range may have a differentresolution requirement (e.g., range resolution, velocity resolution,bearing (i.e., angular) resolution, or the like). For example, anautomotive application for an FMCW radar sensor (e.g., an advanceddriver assistance system (ADAS), an autonomous driving system, or thelike) may demand an FMCW radar sensor capable of operating in at leasttwo modes, such as two of an ultra-SRR mode, an SRR mode, an MRR mode,and an LRR mode, at a given time during operation.

One technique for satisfying the demand for different sensingcapabilities is to use an FMCW radar system that includes multiple FMCWradar sensors. Here, elements of a receive chain (e.g., including one ormore radio frequency (RF) elements, digital elements, etc.) of each FMCWradar sensor are statically configured to provide sensing capabilitiescorresponding to a different range. For example, elements of a receivechain of a first FMCW radar sensor may be configured to provide SRRsensing capabilities, while elements of a receive chain of a second(i.e., different) FMCW radar sensor may be configured to provide MRRsensing capabilities. However, use of multiple FMCW radar sensors leadsto increased cost (e.g., monetary, power consumption, processor usage,etc.) and/or complexity of the FMCW radar system. Moreover, the elementsof the receive chains may be statically configured (i.e., notreconfigurable), thereby preventing the first FMCW radar sensor or thesecond FMCW radar sensor from operating in additional and/or differentmodes other than those for which the first and second FMCW radar sensorsare initially configured.

Another technique for satisfying the demand for different sensingcapabilities is to use an FMCW radar sensor that operates in multiplemodes sequentially. For example, elements of a first receive chain ofthe FMCW radar sensor may be statically configured to provide SRRsensing capabilities, and elements of a second receive chain of the FMCWradar sensor may be statically configured to provide MRR sensingcapabilities. Here, during operation, the FMCW radar sensor may switchback-and-forth between using the first receive chain (i.e., operating asan SRR sensor) and the second receive chain (i.e., operating as an MRRsensor). In other words, the FMCW radar sensor may sequentially operatein multiple modes, but may operate in only one mode at a given time.However, such sequential operation results in increased powerconsumption (e.g., as compared to a single mode of operation) and/orraises safety concerns associated with the FMCW radar sensor. Moreover,as described above, the elements of the receive chains may be staticallyconfigured, thereby preventing the FMCW radar sensor from beingconfigured to operate in additional or different modes.

Implementations described herein provide an FMCW radar sensor with oneor more receive chains that include independently configurable elements.In some implementations, such independently configurable elements allowthe FMCW radar sensor to operate in multiple modes concurrently. In someimplementations, the FMCW radar sensor may include multiple receivechains, where elements of each receive chain are independentlyconfigurable.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an overview of an example implementation 100described herein. For the purposes of FIG. 1, assume that an FMCW radarsensor includes a first Rx chain including a first set of elements(e.g., element 1A, element 1B, and element 1C), a second Rx chainincluding a second set of elements (e.g., element 2A, element 2B, andelement 2C), and a microcontroller. The set of elements may include oneor more elements associated with processing a radar signal to provide adigital output, such as a low-noise amplifier, a mixer, an analog frontend, an analog to digital convertor, a digital front end, or the like.Further, assume that the microcontroller determines that the FMCW radarsensor is to operate in a first mode (i.e., mode 1) for detectingtargets in a first range of distances and a second mode (i.e., mode 2)for detecting targets in a second range of distances.

As shown in FIG. 1, the microcontroller may provide configurationinformation associated with elements of both the first Rx chain and thesecond Rx chain. The configuration information may include informationthat identifies a configuration or a setting of a parameter that governsa manner in which an element operates. In some implementations, themicrocontroller may provide the configuration information to an elementincluded in an Rx chain. Additionally, or alternatively, themicrocontroller may provide the configuration information to aconfiguration register associated with storing configuration informationcorresponding to one or more elements of one or more Rx chains.

As further shown in FIG. 1, the microcontroller may provide firstconfiguration information, associated with the first Rx chain,indicating that, in order to cause the first Rx chain to operate in thefirst mode, element 1A is to operate based on a first element Aconfiguration, element 1B is to operate based on a first element Bconfiguration, and element 1C is to operate based on a first element Cconfiguration. As shown, each element of the first Rx chain may beindependently configurable.

As further shown in FIG. 1, the microcontroller may also provide secondconfiguration information, associated with the second Rx chain,indicating that, in order to cause the second Rx chain to operate in thesecond mode, element 2A is to operate based on a second element Aconfiguration, and element 2C is to operate based on a second element Cconfiguration. Notably, in this example, the microcontroller does notprovide configuration information associated with element 2B (e.g., themicrocontroller may determine that element 2B is already configured witha second element B configuration and does not need to be reconfigured).As shown, each element of the second Rx chain may be independentlyconfigurable. Moreover, as illustrated in this example, the FMCW radarsensor may include multiple Rx chains, each with one or moreindependently configurable elements. Here, due to the independentconfiguration of the elements of the first Rx chain and the second Rxchain, the FMCW radar sensor may operate in different modesconcurrently. In some implementations, the elements of the Rx chains maybe reconfigured (e.g., at a later time) in order to cause the FMCW radarsensor to provide sensing capabilities associated with one or more otherranges.

As indicated above, FIG. 1 is provided merely as an example. Otherexamples are possible and may differ from what was described with regardto FIG. 1. For example, while FIG. 1, and other example implementationsdescribed herein, are described in the context of an FMCW radar sensor,the techniques described herein may equally apply to another type ofradar-based sensor.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an example FMCW radar sensor 200 in whichtechniques, described herein, may be implemented. As shown in FIG. 2,FMCW radar sensor 200 may include a set of receive chains 205-1 through205-N (N≥1) (herein referred to as Rx chain 205-1 through Rx chain205-N). As shown, each Rx chain 205 may include an antenna 210 (e.g.,antenna 210-1 through antenna 210-N), a low-noise amplifier (LNA) 215(e.g., LNA 215-1 through LNA 215-N), a mixer 220 (e.g., mixer 220-1through mixer 220-N), an analog front end (AFE) 225 (e.g., AFE 225-1through AFE 225-N), an analog-to-digital (ADC) 230 (e.g., ADC 230-1through ADC 230-N), and a digital front end (DFE) 235 (e.g., DFE 235-1through DFE 235-N). As further shown, FMCW radar sensor 200 may furtherinclude a configuration register 240 and a microcontroller (MCU) 245.

In some implementations, FMCW radar sensor 200 may be implemented on asingle integrated circuit (i.e., Rx chains 205, configuration register240, and MCU 245 may be implemented on a single integrated circuit).Additionally, or alternatively, one or more Rx chains 205 of FMCW radarsensor 200 and configuration register 240 may be implemented on a singleintegrated circuit, while MCU 245 may be implemented on a differentintegrated circuit. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more Rxchains 205 of FMCW radar sensor 200 may be implemented on a singleintegrated circuit, while configuration register 240 and/or MCU 245 maybe implemented on a different integrated circuit.

Rx chain 205 includes a set of elements associated with receiving andprocessing a radar signal, and providing an output (e.g., a digitaloutput) corresponding to the radar signal. For example, as shown in FIG.2, Rx chain 205 may include antenna 210, LNA 215, mixer 220, AFE 225,ADC 230, and DFE 235. Notably, while Rx chains 205 of FMCW radar sensor200 are shown as having identical elements, one or more Rx chains ofFMCW radar sensor 200 may include different elements.

In some implementations, one or more elements of Rx chain 205 may beindependently configurable (e.g., based on information stored byconfiguration register 240 and/or information provided by MCU 245). Insome implementations, FMCW radar sensor 200 may include multiple Rxchains 205. In some implementations, FMCW radar sensor 200 may includemultiple Rx chains 205 arranged on a single integrated circuit.

Antenna 210 includes an element capable of receiving a radar signal(i.e., a radio wave) and converting the radar signal into an electricalsignal for further processing by other elements of Rx chain 205. In someimplementations, antenna 210 may be connected to LNA 215 such thatantenna 210 may provide the electrical signal to LNA 215.

LNA 215 includes an element capable of amplifying an electrical signal.In some implementations, LNA 215 may be arranged to receive theelectrical signal provided by antenna 210 and amplify the electricalsignal without significantly degrading a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) ofthe electrical signal. In some implementations, one or more parametersof LNA 215 may be configurable. For example, a gain parameter of LNA 215may be configured based on information stored by configuration register240 and/or provided by MCU 245 (i.e., LNA 215 may have a variable gain).In some implementations, LNA 215 may provide the amplified electricalsignal to mixer 220.

Mixer 220 includes an element capable of mixing an amplified electricalsignal (e.g., received from LNA 215) and an oscillating electricalsignal, provided by a local oscillator (not shown), in order to createan electrical signal at an intermediate frequency (IF) (herein referredto as an IF electrical signal) that may be further processed by otherelements of Rx chain 205. In some implementations, mixer 220 may providethe IF electrical signal to AFE 225.

AFE 225 includes one or more elements associated with filtering and/orprocessing an IF electrical signal (e.g., provided by mixer 220) tocreate an amplified and filtered electrical signal (herein referred toas an amplified/filtered electrical signal) for conversion by ADC 230.For example, AFE 225 may include one or more analog baseband filters,such as a high-pass filter, a low-pass filter, and a band-pass filter,or the like. In some implementations, one or more parameters of AFE 225may be configurable. For example, a cut-off frequency of a filterincluded in AFE 225 may be configured based on information stored byconfiguration register 240 and/or provided by MCU 245. As anotherexample, a gain parameter of a filter included in AFE 225 may beconfigured based on information stored by configuration register 240and/or provided by MCU 245. In some implementations, AFE 225 may beconnected to ADC 230 in order to allow AFE 225 to provide theamplified/filtered electrical signal to ADC 230.

ADC 230 includes an element capable of converting an amplified/filteredelectrical signal (e.g., provided by AFE 225) from the analog domain tothe digital domain. In other words, ADC 230 includes an element capableof converting the amplified/filtered electrical signal from an analogsignal to a digital signal. In some implementations, one or moreparameters of ADC 230 may be configurable. For example, a sampling rateof ADC 230 may be configured based on information stored byconfiguration register 240 and/or provided by MCU 245. As anotherexample, a word length associated with ADC 230 may be configured basedon information stored by configuration register 240 and/or provided byMCU 245. In some implementations, ADC 230 may be connected to DFE 235 inorder to allow ADC 230 to provide the digital signal to DFE 235.

DFE 235 includes one or more elements associated with processing adigital signal (e.g., provided by ADC 230) and outputting the processeddigital signal. For example, DFE 235 may include one or more digitalbaseband filters, a decimation filter (e.g., a bireciprocal wave digitalfilter (WDF)), a digital filter, an interpolator, a decimator, or thelike. In some implementations, one or more parameters of DFE 235 may beconfigurable. For example, a filter characteristic (e.g., a cut-offfrequency, a ripple, etc.) of a filter included in DFE 235 may beconfigured based on information stored by configuration register 240and/or provided by MCU 245. As another example, an interpolation factorof an interpolator of DFE 235 may be configured based on informationstored by configuration register 240 and/or provided by MCU 245. Asanother example, a decimation factor of a decimation filter included inDFE 235 may be configured based on information stored by configurationregister 240 and/or provided by MCU 245. In some implementations, DFE235 may output the processed digital signal (e.g., to MCU 245) for usein controlling a system associated with FMCW radar sensor 200, such asan ADAS, an autonomous driving system, or the like.

In some implementations, one or more elements of Rx chain 205 may beindependently configurable (i.e., one element may be independentlyconfigurable from another element of the same Rx chain 205). Forexample, a filter included in an element of Rx chain 205 (e.g., ananalog baseband filter included in AFE 225, a digital baseband filterincluded in DFE 235) may be a switchable filter, meaning that one ormore parameters (e.g., a cut-off frequency) of the filter can beconfigured through use of one or more switches, included in the FMCWradar sensor 200 integrated circuit, that add or reduce resistance tothe filter. In this example, MCU 245 may provide configurationinformation, associated with configuring the filter, to configurationregister 240, and configuration register 240 may provide theconfiguration information to the filter (e.g., such that the switchesoperate in accordance with the configuration information in order tocause the filter to be configured with the desired cut-off frequency).

In this way, one or more elements of Rx chain 205 may be dynamicallyconfigured by configuration register 240 and/or MCU 245. For example,MCU 245 may configure a particular element by providing firstconfiguration information to configuration register 240 and, at a latertime (e.g., during operation of FMCW radar sensor 200, betweenoperations of FMCW radar sensor 200), provide second configurationinformation in order to reconfigure the particular element. In someimplementations, multiple elements of Rx chain 205 may be independentlyconfigurable.

Configuration register 240 includes a device capable of receiving,storing, and/or providing configuration information associated withconfiguring one or more elements of one or more Rx chains 205. Forexample, configuration register 240 may include a memory element capableof receiving, from MCU 245, configuration information associated with aparticular element of a particular Rx chain 205, storing theconfiguration information, and providing the configuration informationto the particular element of the particular Rx chain 205 (e.g., suchthat the particular element is configured to operate based on theconfiguration information).

In some implementations, configuration register 240 may storeconfiguration information corresponding to multiple elements of Rx chain205, where configuration information corresponding to each of themultiple elements is independently stored (e.g., such that each elementof Rx chain 205 may be independently configured). Additionally, oralternatively, configuration register 240 may store configurationinformation corresponding to multiple Rx chains 205 (e.g., such thatmultiple elements of multiple Rx chains 205 may be independentlyconfigured). In some implementations, configuration register 240 mayreceive the configuration information from MCU 245.

MCU 245 includes a device capable of controlling operation of FMCW radarsensor 200. For example, MCU 245 may include a microcontroller, amicroprocessor, a digital signal processor, or the like capable ofidentifying one or more modes in which FMCW radar sensor 200 is tooperate, and determining and providing configuration information,corresponding to the one or more modes, to configuration register 240.In some implementations, MCU 245 may determine and provide configurationinformation corresponding to one or more elements of one or more Rxchains 205. In other words, MCU 245 may control configuration ofindividual elements of different Rx chains 205 included in FMCW radarsensor 200 (i.e., MCU 245 may control configuration of individualelements of different Rx chains 205 arranged on a same integratedcircuit).

The number, arrangement, or type of elements and devices shown in FIG. 2are provided as an example. In practice, there may be additionalelements and/or devices, fewer elements and/or devices, differentelements and/or devices, differently arranged elements and/or devices,and/or different types of elements and/or devices than those shown inFIG. 2. Furthermore, two or more elements and/or devices shown in FIG. 2may be implemented within a single element and/or a single device, or asingle element and/or a single device shown in FIG. 2 may be implementedas multiple, distributed elements or devices. Additionally, oralternatively, a set of elements (e.g., one or more elements) or a setof devices (e.g., one or more devices) of FMCW radar sensor 200 mayperform one or more functions described as being performed by anotherset of elements or another set of devices of FMCW radar sensor 200.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example implementation 300 of FMCW radarsensor 200 with Rx chains 205 that are independently configurable topermit FMCW radar sensor 200 to operate in different modes concurrently.For the purposes of example implementation 300, assume that MCU 245determines that FMCW radar sensor 200 is to operate in a first mode fordetecting targets in a first range (e.g., 0 m to 35 m) with a firstrange resolution (e.g., 7.5 centimeters (cm)) and a second mode fordetecting targets in a second range (e.g., 0 m to 70 m) with a secondrange resolution (e.g., 15.0 cm). As shown in FIG. 3, FMCW radar sensor200 includes a first Rx chain 205 (e.g., Rx chain 205-1) and a second Rxchain 205 (e.g., Rx chain 205-2). Here, elements of each Rx chain 205are independently configurable, as described above with regard to FIG.2.

In this example, assume that a transmitter, associated with FMCW radarsensor 200, is configured to transmit a radar signal with a bandwidth of2 gigahertz (GHz) (e.g., in order to enable the first range resolutionof 7.5 cm) with a ramp duration of 61.4 microseconds (μs).

As shown in the box within the left portion of FIG. 3, elements of thefirst Rx chain 205 may be independently configured (e.g., independent ofeach other, independent of elements of the second Rx chain 205). Forexample, MCU 245 may provide, to configuration register 240, firstconfiguration information associated with the first Rx chain 205. Here,the first configuration information may indicate that a low-pass analogfilter, included in AFE 225-1 of the first Rx chain 205, is to beconfigured with a frequency of 7.5 megahertz (MHz), and that a samplingrate of ADC 230-1, included in the first Rx chain 205, is to be set at16.7 MHz. This configuration may provide a range capability ofapproximately 0 m to approximately 35 m, a range resolution as low as7.5 cm, a total of 1024 samples per ramp duration, and a processing gainof up to 30 decibels (dB).

In this example, configuration register 240 may store the firstconfiguration information associated with the first Rx chain 205 suchthat AFE 225-1 is provided with, or has access to, information thatcauses AFE 225-1 to operate at the 7.5 MHz frequency, and such that ADC230-1 is provided with, or has access to, information that causes ADC230-1 to operate at the 16.7 MHz sampling rate. For example,configuration register 240 may push the configuration information to AFE225-1 and/or ADC 230-1. As another example, AFE 225-1 and/or ADC 230-1may read the configuration information from configuration register 240before or during operation of FMCW radar sensor 200.

As shown in the box within the right portion of FIG. 3, elements of thesecond Rx chain 205 may also be independently configured (e.g.,independent of each other, independent of the first Rx chain 205). Forexample, MCU 245 may provide, to configuration register 240, secondconfiguration information associated with the second Rx chain 205. Here,the second configuration information may indicate that a low-pass analogfilter, included in AFE 225-2 of the second Rx chain 205, is to beconfigured with a frequency of 15.0 MHz, and that a sampling rate of ADC230-2, included in the second Rx chain 205, is to be set at 33.3 MHz.Such configuration of these elements of the second Rx chain 205 resultin 2048 samples per ramp duration, however, only 1024 consecutivesamples may be provided for further processing (e.g., in order to enablea consistent data output rate between the first Rx chain 205 and thesecond Rx chain 205 after a buffer). This configuration may provide arange capability of approximately 0 m to approximately 70 m, a rangeresolution as low as 15.0 cm, a total of 1024 samples per ramp duration,and a processing gain of up to 30 decibels (dB).

In this example, configuration register 240 may store the secondconfiguration information associated with the second Rx chain 205 suchthat AFE 225-2 is provided with, or has access to, information thatcauses AFE 225-2 to operate at the 15.0 MHz, and such that ADC 230-2 isprovided with, or has access to, information that causes ADC 230-2 tooperate at the 33.3 MHz sampling rate. For example, configurationregister 240 may push the configuration information to AFE 225-2 and/orADC 230-2. As another example, AFE 225-2 and/or ADC 230-2 may read theconfiguration information from configuration register 240 before orduring operation of FMCW radar sensor 200.

Notably, in this example, individual elements of a given Rx chain 205are independently configurable. For example, with regard to the first Rxchain 205, AFE 225-1 and ADC 230-1 are independently configured. Theseelements are configured without modifying and/or changing aconfiguration (e.g., a default configuration, a previously storedconfiguration) of other elements of the first Rx chain 205 (e.g., LNA215-1, DFE 235-1). Furthermore, in this example, elements of multiple Rxchains 205 are independently configurable (i.e., elements of multiple Rxchains 205 can be independently configured) in order to permit FMCWradar sensor 200 to operate in different modes concurrently.

In some implementations, the elements of the first Rx chain 205 and/orthe second Rx chain 205 may be reconfigured (e.g., at a later time) inorder to permit the first Rx chain 205 and/or the second Rx chain 205 toprovide sensing capabilities associated with a different range. In sucha case, MCU 245 may provide updated configuration information toconfiguration register 240, and the elements of the first Rx chain 205and/or the second Rx chain 205 may be reconfigured, accordingly.

As indicated above, FIG. 3 is provided merely as an example. Otherexamples are possible and may differ from what was described with regardto FIG. 3. For example, FMCW radar sensor 200 may include a third Rxchain 205 that includes elements that may be independently configured topermit FMCW radar sensor 200 to operate in the first mode (e.g., usingthe first Rx chain 205), the second mode (e.g., using the second Rxchain 205) and a third mode (e.g., using the third Rx chain 205)concurrently.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of an additional example implementation 400 of FMCWradar sensor 200 with Rx chains 205 that are independently configurableto permit FMCW radar sensor 200 to operate in different modesconcurrently. For the purposes of example implementation 400, assumethat MCU 245 determines that FMCW radar sensor 200 is to operate in afirst mode for detecting targets in a first range (e.g., 0 m to 50 m)and a second mode for detecting targets in a second range (e.g., 0 m to100 m). As shown in FIG. 4, FMCW radar sensor 200 includes a first Rxchain 205 (e.g., Rx chain 205-1) and a second Rx chain 205 (e.g., Rxchain 205-2). Here, elements of each Rx chain 205 are independentlyconfigurable, as described above with regard to FIG. 2.

As shown in the solid box within the left portion of FIG. 4, elements ofthe first Rx chain 205 may be independently configured (e.g.,independent of each other, independent of the second Rx chain 205). Forexample, MCU 245 may provide, to configuration register 240, firstconfiguration information associated with the first Rx chain 205. Here,the first configuration information may indicate that a low-pass analogfilter, included in AFE 225-1 of the first Rx chain 205, is to beconfigured with a frequency of 20.0 MHz, and that a sampling rate of ADC230-1, included in the first Rx chain 205, is to be set at 40.0 MHz. Forpurposes of example implementation 400, assume that such configurationof these elements of the first Rx chain 205 results in a rangecapability of the first Rx chain 205 of approximately 0 m toapproximately 50 m.

In this example, configuration register 240 may store the firstconfiguration information associated with the first Rx chain 205 suchthat AFE 225-1 is provide with, or has access to, information thatcauses AFE 225-1 to operate at the 20.0 MHz frequency, and such that ADC230-1 is provided with, or has access to, information that causes ADC230-1 to operate at the 40.0 MHz sampling rate.

As shown in the solid box within the right portion of FIG. 4, elementsof the second Rx chain 205 may also be independently configured (e.g.,independent of each other, independent of the first Rx chain 205). Forexample, MCU 245 may provide, to configuration register 240, secondconfiguration information associated with the second Rx chain 205. Here,the second configuration information may indicate that a low-pass analogfilter, included in AFE 225-2 of the second Rx chain 205, is to beconfigured with a frequency of 40.0 MHz, and that a sampling rate of ADC230-2, included in the second Rx chain 205, is to bet set at 40.0 MHz.For purposes of example implementation 400, assume that suchconfiguration of these elements of the second Rx chain 205 result in arange capability of the second Rx chain 205 of approximately 0 m toapproximately 100 m.

In this example, configuration register 240 may store the secondconfiguration information associated with the second Rx chain 205 suchthat AFE 225-2 is provided with, or has access to, information thatcauses AFE 225-2 to operate at the 40.0 MHz frequency, and such that ADC230-2 is provided with, or has access to, information that causes ADC230-2 to operate at the 40.0 MHz sampling rate.

Notably, in this example, ADC 230-2 is configured to under-sample ananalog signal associated with the second Rx chain 205. For example, fora typical FMCW radar sensor 200 to achieve the desired 100 m rangecapability, the sampling rate of ADC 230-2 should be approximately equalto two times the analog bandwidth associated with AFE 225-2, or 80.0 MHzin this case (e.g., 40.0 MHz×2=80.0 MHz). In example implementation 400,the sampling rate of ADC 230-2 is configured to be 40.0 MHz, which isequal to both the sampling rate of ADC 230-1 and one-half of the typicalsampling rate for ADC 230-2.

In some implementations, ADC 230-2 may be configured to under-sample theanalog signal, provided by AFE 225-2, in order to cause ADC 230-2 tooperate at a same sampling rate as ADC 230-1, thus allowing the first Rxchain 205 and the second Rx chain 205 to output data at a same dataoutput rate. In such a case, operation of both ADC 230-1 and ADC 230-2at the same sampling rate reduces complexity associated with realizingFMCW radar sensor 200, as different data output rates (resulting fromthe different sampling rates) may require different clocks to beconfigured on FMCW radar sensor 200 (i.e., multiple clocks may be neededon a single integrated circuit) which may increase an area of theintegrated circuit, require additional elements to be arranged on theintegrated circuit, decrease manufacturability of the integratedcircuit, increase cost of the integrated circuit, or the like (e.g., ascompared to an integrated circuit with a single clock).

However, under-sampling by ADC 230-2 may prevent the second Rx chain 205of FMCW radar sensor 200 from distinguishing between a target that islocated in the range corresponding to the lower portion of the analogbandwidth associated with the first Rx chain 205 (e.g., 0 to 20 MHz) anda target that is located in the range corresponding to the higherportion of the analog bandwidth associated with the second Rx chain 205(e.g., 20 to 40 MHz). In other words, due to the under-sampling, FMCWradar sensor 200 may be unable to determine whether a target, identifiedby the second Rx chain 205, is in a range from 0 m to 50 m or a rangefrom 50 m to 100 m. In some implementations, FMCW radar sensor 200 mayresolve such an ambiguity by comparing information associated with thefirst Rx chain 205 chain and information associated with the second Rxchain 205.

For example, assume that the second Rx chain 205 chain detects a targetat a particular time. Here, FMCW radar sensor 200 (e.g., MCU 245) maydetermine, based information provided by the first Rx chain 205, whetherthe first Rx chain 205 chain detected a target at the particular time.If FMCW radar sensor 200 determines that the first Rx chain 205 did notdetect a target at the particular time, then FMCW radar sensor 200 maydetermine that the target detected by the second Rx chain 205 chain islocated in the range corresponding to the higher portion of the analogbandwidth associated with the second Rx chain 205 (i.e., that the targetis within the 50 m to 100 m range). Alternatively, if FMCW radar sensor200 determines that the first Rx chain 205 detected a target at theparticular time, then FMCW radar sensor 200 may determine that thetarget detected by the second Rx chain 205 chain is located in the rangecorresponding to the lower portion of the analog bandwidth associatedwith the first Rx chain 205 (i.e., that the target is within the 0 m to50 m range). In such a case, FMCW radar sensor 200 may exclude (i.e.,ignore) the target detected by the second Rx chain 205.

In some implementations, FMCW radar sensor 200 may be capable ofresolving ambiguities among multiple (e.g., two or more) Rx chains 205,while maintaining a constant sampling rate and/or data output rateacross the multiple Rx chains 205. For example, in addition to the firstRx chain 205 and the second Rx chain 205 described above, FMCW radarsensor 200 may include a third Rx chain 205 that is configured toprovide sensing capabilities for a third range (e.g., a longer range).In such a case, a third analog signal (e.g., filtered based on afrequency of 80 MHz), associated with the third Rx chain 205, may alsobe under-sampled at 40 MHz, which is equal to one-quarter of the typical160 MHz sampling rate. Here, FMCW radar sensor 200 may resolveambiguities between the first Rx chain 205, the second Rx chain 205, andthe third Rx chain 205 by comparing information provided by the first Rxchain 205, the second Rx chain 205, and the third Rx chain 205, in themanner described above.

In some implementations, FMCW radar sensor 200 may resolve suchambiguities when the under-sampled sampling rate, associated with thefirst Rx chain 205, matches the sampling rate of the second Rx chain205, as described above. In such a case, different Rx chains 205 of FMCWradar sensor 200 may be capable of concurrently providing sensingcapabilities in different ranges, while maintaining a same sampling rateand/or a same data output rate.

Additionally, or alternatively, FMCW radar sensor 200 may resolve anambiguity when the under-sampled sampling rate, associated with thefirst Rx chain 205, does not match (i.e., is different from) thesampling rate of the second Rx chain 205. However, while theabove-described principle of exclusion may still be implemented in sucha case, the different sampling rates may negatively impact cost and/orcomplexity of FMCW radar sensor 200, since the sampling rates (resultingin different data output rates) of the first Rx chain 205 and the secondRx chain 205 may require different clocks to be arranged on FMCW radarsensor 200, as described above.

In some implementations, an element of FMCW radar sensor 200 may beconfigured to prevent an ambiguity caused by under-sampling (e.g.,rather than implementing the exclusion technique described above). Forexample, as shown by the dashed box in the lower right portion of FIG.4, a decimation filter of DFE 235-1 may be configured such that onlytargets that are in the range (e.g., 50 m to 100 m) corresponding to thehigher portion of the analog bandwidth associated with the first Rxchain 205 (e.g., 20 to 40 MHz) are identified by the second Rx chain205. In other words, in some implementations, an element of the secondRx chain 205 of FMCW radar sensor 200 may be configured to prevent anambiguity, rather than to resolving the ambiguity.

In some implementations, DFE 235 may include a bireciprocal WDF in orderto prevent an ambiguity. Continuing with the above example, DFE 235-2may include a bireciprocal WDF in order to prevent an ambiguity. In sucha case, the half-band characteristic of the bireciprocal WDF causes thebireciprocal WDF to create two digital signals from the digital signalprovided by ADC 230-2. Here, a first digital signal of the bireciprocalWDF may correspond to the range associated with the lower portion of theanalog bandwidth of the second Rx chain 205 (i.e., the 0 m to 50 mrange), and a second digital signal of the bireciprocal WDF maycorrespond to the range associated with the higher portion of the analogbandwidth of the second Rx chain 205 (i.e., the 50 m to 100 m range). Inother words, DFE 235-2 may select the portion of the input digitalsignal that corresponds to the higher portion of the analog bandwidth.This technique may be referred to as band selection. In such a case, DFE235-2 may provide the second digital signal (e.g., corresponding to the50 m to 100 m range) as an output (e.g., after further processing).

In some implementations, use of a bireciprocal WDF to prevent anambiguity may reduce cost (e.g., monetary, power consumption, processorusage), area, and/or complexity of FMCW radar sensor 200 as compared toanother technique that may be used to achieve such band selection, suchas use of a digital filter bank.

Notably, in this example, individual elements of a given Rx chain 205are independently configurable. For example, with regard to the first Rxchain 205, AFE 225-1 and ADC 230-1 are independently configured based oninformation stored by configuration register 240. Here, these elementsare configured without modifying and/or changing a configuration (e.g.,a default configuration, a previously stored configuration) of otherelements of the first Rx chain 205 (e.g., LNA 215-1, DFE 235-1).Furthermore, in this example, elements of multiple Rx chains 205 areindependently configurable (i.e., multiple Rx chains 205 can beindependently configured) in order to permit FMCW radar sensor 200 tooperate in different modes concurrently.

In some implementations, the elements of the first Rx chain 205 and/orthe second Rx chain 205 may be reconfigured (e.g., at a later time) inorder to permit the first Rx chain 205 and/or the second Rx chain 205 toprovide sensing capabilities associated with a different range. In sucha case, MCU 245 may provide updated configuration information toconfiguration register 240, and the elements of the first Rx chain 205and/or the second Rx chain 205 may be reconfigured, accordingly.

As indicated above, FIG. 4 is provided merely as an example. Otherexamples are possible and may differ from what was described with regardto FIG. 4. For example, FMCW radar sensor 200 may include a third Rxchain 205 that includes elements that may be independently configured topermit FMCW radar sensor 200 to operate in the first mode (e.g., usingthe first Rx chain 205), the second mode (e.g., using the second Rxchain 205), and a third mode (e.g., using the third Rx chain 205)concurrently.

In some implementations, FMCW radar sensor 200 may include a singlebireciprocal WDF for use by multiple Rx chains 205. FIG. 5 is a diagramof an example implementation 500 of FMCW radar sensor 200 that includesa single bireciprocal WDF, included in a combined DFE 235 (e.g., a DFE235 capable of processing signals associated with both Rx chain 205-1and Rx chain 205-2) for use by multiple Rx chains 205.

As shown in FIG. 5, the bireciprocal WDF may be arranged such that thebireciprocal WDF receives a first digital signal, associated with afirst Rx chain 205, and a second digital signal associated with a secondRx chain 205. Here, the first digital signal and the second digitalsignal may be combined by frequency multiplexing. For example, thesecond digital signal may be modulated into a frequency interval thatwould otherwise be free after processing AFE 225-2. In someimplementations, three or more digital signals may be similarlyprocessed (e.g., when a target sampling rate and initial spectra allow).

In this example, the second digital signal (e.g., associated with ananalog bandwidth of 0 MHz to 22 MHz) may be multiplied with analternating sequence (e.g., a[n]=(−1)^(n)) to create a modified digitalsignal (e.g., as shown by the upper multiplier in FIG. 5). Here, aresulting spectrum, associated with a bandwidth supported by the digitalsignal, is a shifted (e.g., as compared to a spectrum withoutmultiplication by the alternating sequence). In this example, assuming asampling rate of 100 MHz by ADC 230-0, the shifted spectrum showssupport associated with an analog bandwidth of 28 MHz to 50 MHz (e.g.,rather than 0 MHz to 22 MHz).

Next, as shown by the adder in FIG. 5, the first digital signal may beadded to the modified digital signal. Here, even when the first digitalsignal is also associated with the 0 MHz to 22 MHz analog bandwidth, thecorresponding spectra do not interfere. The combined digital signal maythen be processed by the bireciprocal WDF of combined DFE 235 (e.g.,decimation may be applied to the combined digital signal). In this way,a single bireciprocal WDF in a combined DFE 235 may simultaneouslyprocess both the first digital signal and the second digital signal.Thus, a single bireciprocal WDF may be used, thereby reducing costand/or complexity of FMCW radar sensor 200 (e.g., as compared to an FMCWradar sensor 200 that includes a separate WDF in each Rx chain 205). Insome implementations, one or more parameters of the bireciprocal WDF maybe independently configurable (e.g., based on information stored byconfiguration register 240 and/or provided by MCU 245).

In this example, the bireciprocal WDF may, during processing, separatethe combined digital signal into a low-pass output, corresponding to thefirst digital signal, and a high-pass output corresponding to the seconddigital signal (e.g., a half-band low-pass bireciprocal WDF, as used asa decimation filter, is able to determine an equivalent high-pass outputwith negligible cost, and thus separate the combined digital signal). Asshown by the lower multiplier in FIG. 5, the high-pass output may thenbe multiplied by the alternating sequence such that the high-pass outputis representative of the 0 MHz to 22 MHz analog bandwidth (e.g., adown-modulation of the frequency-shifted signal restores the basebandrepresentation of the signal). The low pass output and the high passoutput may then be further processed by one or more other elements ofcombined DFE 235.

As indicated above, FIG. 5 is provided merely as an example. Otherexamples are possible and may differ from what was described with regardto FIG. 5.

Implementations described herein provide an FMCW radar sensor with oneor more receive chains that include independently configurable elements.In some implementations, such independently configurable elements allowthe FMCW radar sensor to operate in multiple modes concurrently. In someimplementations, the FMCW radar sensor may include multiple receivechains, where elements of each receive chain may be independentlyconfigurable (e.g., independent of other elements of the same receivechain, independent of elements of a different receive chain, and/or thelike).

The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but isnot intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to theprecise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible inlight of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of theimplementations.

As used herein, the term element is intended to be broadly construed ashardware, firmware, and/or a combination of hardware and software.

Even though particular combinations of features are recited in theclaims and/or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are notintended to limit the disclosure of possible implementations. In fact,many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recitedin the claims and/or disclosed in the specification. Although eachdependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one claim, thedisclosure of possible implementations includes each dependent claim incombination with every other claim in the claim set.

No element, act, or instruction used herein should be construed ascritical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as usedherein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or moreitems, and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Furthermore,as used herein, the term “set” is intended to include one or more items(e.g., related items, unrelated items, a combination of related items,and unrelated items, etc.), and may be used interchangeably with “one ormore.” Where only one item is intended, the term “one” or similarlanguage is used. Also, as used herein, the terms “has,” “have,”“having,” or the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, thephrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on”unless explicitly stated otherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A radar sensor, comprising: a receive chain,wherein the receive chain includes a plurality of elements associatedwith processing a radar signal received by the radar sensor, wherein atleast one of a filter included in an analog front end, of the pluralityof elements, or a sampling rate of an analog-to digital converter, ofthe plurality of elements, is reconfigurable independent of at least oneother element of the plurality of elements to change a sensor capabilityof the receive chain from corresponding to a first radar operation modeof the radar sensor to corresponding to a second radar operation mode ofthe radar sensor.
 2. The radar sensor of claim 1, wherein the firstradar operation mode is one of a short range radar (SRR) mode, a mediumrange radar (MRR) mode, or a long range radar (LRR) mode, and whereinthe second radar operation mode is different than the first radaroperation mode and is one of the SRR mode, the MRR mode, or the LRRmode.
 3. The radar sensor of claim 1, further comprising: amicrocontroller configured to provide configuration informationassociated with reconfiguring the plurality of elements.
 4. The radarsensor of claim 3, wherein the microcontroller is configured to providethe configuration information to one or more elements of the pluralityof elements.
 5. The radar sensor of claim 3, wherein the microcontrolleris configured to provide the configuration information to aconfiguration register associated with storing the configurationinformation corresponding to one or more elements of the plurality ofelements.
 6. The radar sensor of claim 1, wherein the receive chain is afirst receive chain and the plurality of elements is a first pluralityof elements, and wherein the radar sensor further comprises: a secondreceive chain including a second plurality of elements associated withprocessing the radar signal received by the radar sensor, wherein atleast one element, of the second plurality of elements, isreconfigurable independent of at least one other element of the secondplurality of elements and independent of the first plurality of elementsto change a sensing capability of the second receive chain fromcorresponding to a third radar operation mode to corresponding to afourth radar operation mode.
 7. The radar sensor of claim 1, wherein thereceive chain is a first receive chain and the plurality of elements isa first plurality of elements, and wherein the radar sensor furthercomprises: a second receive chain including a second plurality ofelements associated with processing the radar signal received by theradar sensor, the second plurality of elements being configured to causethe radar sensor to operate in a third radar operation mode, and thefirst plurality of elements and the second plurality of elements beingconfigured to cause the radar sensor to operate in the second radaroperation mode and the third radar operation mode concurrently.
 8. Theradar sensor of claim 7, wherein a data output rate associated with thesecond radar operation mode matches a data output rate associated withthe third radar operation mode.
 9. The radar sensor of claim 7, whereinthe second plurality of elements includes another filter to perform bandselection associated with a digital signal corresponding to the secondreceive chain.
 10. The radar sensor of claim 7, wherein the firstplurality of elements and the second plurality of elements are arrangedon a single integrated circuit.
 11. The radar sensor of claim 1, whereinthe receive chain is a first receive chain, and the plurality ofelements is a first plurality of elements, and wherein the radar sensorfurther comprises: a second receive chain including a second pluralityof elements associated with processing the radar signal received by theradar sensor, and a wave digital filter to process a combined digitalsignal associated with the first receive chain and the second receivechain, the wave digital filter being included in both the firstplurality of elements and the second plurality of elements.
 12. Theradar sensor of claim 1, wherein the radar sensor is afrequency-modulated continuous-wave radar sensor.
 13. The radar sensorof claim 1, wherein the at least one other element of the plurality ofelements include at least one of: an antenna, a low-noise amplifier, amixer, or a digital front end.
 14. The radar sensor of claim 1, whereineach element, of the plurality of elements, is an independentlyreconfigurable element.
 15. The radar sensor of claim 6, wherein atleast one element, of the first plurality of elements, is reconfigurableindependent of at least one other element, of the first plurality ofelements, and independent of the second plurality of elements.
 16. Theradar sensor of claim 6, further comprising: a microcontrollerconfigured to provide configuration information associated withreconfiguring one or more elements of the first plurality of elementsand/or the second plurality of elements.
 17. The radar sensor of claim7, wherein one or more elements, of the second plurality of elements,are reconfigured to cause the radar sensor to operate in the secondradar operation mode and a fourth radar operation mode concurrently. 18.The radar sensor of claim 1, further comprising: a wave digital filterconfigured to: receive a first digital signal associated with thereceive chain; receive a second digital signal associated with anotherreceive chain of the radar sensor, wherein the first digital signal andthe second digital signal are received as a combined digital signalcombined by frequency multiplexing; and process the combined digitalsignal.
 19. The radar sensor of claim 18, wherein the wave digitalfilter, when processing the combined digital signal, is configured to:separate the combined digital signal in to a low-pass outputcorresponding to the first digital signal and a high-pass outputcorresponding the second digital signal, wherein the low-pass output andthe high-pass output are processed.
 20. The radar sensor of claim 19,wherein the high-pass output is multiplied by an alternative sequencebefore being processed.